Detroit Lions’ first-round pick and former Auburn defensive lineman Nick Fairley has signed his first NFL contract, and it’s something “right around $10 million,” the Associated Press reported Thursday night.
Agent Brad Overstreet said Fairley signed a four-year contract. Fairley, from Mobile’s Williamson High School, joined Auburn’s other first-round pick, quarterback Cam Newton, in agreeing to terms this week. Newton is signing a reported $22 million, four-year contract. The NFL’s new collective bargaining agreement signed provides a structured scale for rookies.
Fairley, the Lombardi Award winner last season, was the 13th overall pick in the draft. He anchored a defensive line that helped Auburn to a 14-0 record that ended with the BCS national championship. He had 56 tackles last season, including a school-record 24 tackles for a loss and school-record 11.5 sacks. He was named the defensive MVP in Auburn’s 22-19 win over Oregon in the title game.
